Donald See Hartmann was born Oct. 23, 1954, in Tenakee Springs, a Shungukeidee of the Eagle Thunderbird Clan. He grew up between Haines, Alaska, and Rogue River, Oregon, and his life took him to Portland, Anchorage, and even Washington, D.C. But no matter where he went, Alaska called him home.
Don wasn't supposed to live a long life, but he made it to 71 and celebrated his birthday this past October. His challenges never stopped him from finding adventure or joy—he was determined to live as fully as possible, his family said. He was a passionate para-skier who found freedom on the slopes. Music moved him, cooking was an early passion, and his love for culture never left him. His smile could light up a room, and he had a way of making everyone around him feel welcome.
Don was deeply proud of his Tlingit heritage. He carried his culture with him and worked to pass it on, making sure his Tlingit niece stayed connected to their traditions. That connection and knowledge mattered to him.
Alaska was home, and Don was determined to stay. He spent his final years in Sitka, where his care team looked after him with kindness and respect. Don had a gift for creating chosen family wherever he went. He drew people in and made them feel like they belonged.
Donald is preceded in death by his parents Ruth Hartmann and Henry Disbrow Hartmann, his birth parents, and several birth siblings. He is survived by his sister Carol Iverson of Oregon; brother William Hartmann of Nevada; his nieces Rachelle Pavao Goldenberg of California, Heather Hartmann of Washington, Marita Hartmann of Oregon, Ariana Duskin of Texas, Bethany Hartmann, Naomi Hartmann; and his dear friend Dawn Marie Shannon of Alaska.
Donald See Hartmann walked into the forest at midnight on Thanksgiving after living a full life. His ashes will remain in Alaska and be spread in the places he loved when the ground thaws.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Challenge Alaska or the Sealaska Heritage Institute Language Department in honor of Don's love of adaptive skiing and his commitment to Tlingit culture.
As he would say, carry on — Gunalcheesh, ho ho.
